Congressman Kweisi Mfume Cosponsors Bill To Impeach Trump

WASHINGTON, DC — The day after a riot at the Capitol, Congressman Kweisi Mfume says he is responding to calls to remove President Donald Trump from office with legislation.

"Working with members of the Judiciary Committee, I have cosponsored legislation to be introduced next week," Mfume said in a statement Thursday. "This bill would not only start the impeachment process of Donald Trump, but will also permanently disqualify him from holding and enjoying any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States of America."

Said Mfume: "This president has blood on his hands."

Four people died as a result of the mob at the Capitol Wednesday, after Trump held a rally in Washington, D.C., to stop what he called a stolen election. Thousands attended that event outside the Capitol, but a few hundred broke off, blew past a police barricade and breached the floors of Congress.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) joined the push against Trump Thursday, suggesting the U.S. House of Representatives may move forward with impeachment if Vice President Mike Pence doesn't invoke the 25th amendment.

This constitutional clause allows the president or cabinet to transfer presidential duties to the vice president temporarily when the commander in chief is unable to perform. The amendment usually comes up when a president is temporarily incapacitated with a health condition or is preparing for surgery that requires anesthesia.

"This president is guilty of treason, sedition, and inciting a riot," Mfume said Thursday. "His actions yesterday, and over the course of four years, have been egregious, despicable, and most of all — deliberate. For too long, he’s benefited from his cloak of immunity. That stops now. I strongly support all calls to legally and constitutionally remove him from office."

Lawmakers pushed their official count of the Electoral College votes well into the night after they evacuated from the Capitol. Eventually, Congress reconvened and affirmed Biden's victory after 3 a.m. Thursday. He will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Mayor Muriel Bowser extended her public emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., through 3 p.m on Jan. 21.

Patch editors Jacob Baumgart and Michael O'Connell contributed to this report.

See Also:

• 'I Will Not' Resign: Congressman Andy Harris On Call To Step Down
• Hogan Says Trump Isn't Fit For Office, Suggests Pence Is Better
• Trump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips